Cleaning Washing Machine

helphelphelphelp

I keep cleaning my washing machine but cannot get rid of the smell from inside of it. I have tried the products you can buy from the shops but there is still a smell from inside the machine. I have cleaned it out, (seems to be mould in the rubber seal despite the machine being used at least once a day), tried putting it on a boil wash, but now out of ideas. It is not causing the washing to smell.

I always keep the door of the machine shut. Would this be causing the problem?

Thanks

Callie22

helphelphelphelp wrote: »

I always keep the door of the machine shut. Would this be causing the problem?

Yes. I've had my machine for over five years, and I've never had mould or smells - I really believe that this is because I always keep the door and dispenser drawer slightly ajar. It's not ideal if you've got an integrated machine or a reason to keep the machine shut (pets, little kids etc), but it will keep it clean and fresh.

I also clean mine once a month or so, by putting a mugful of soda crystals in the drum then running a boil wash, and then doing the same with a mugful of white vinegar.

helphelphelphelp

Will give it a go and try to restrain myself from shutting the door. Will be tough though!

Thanks

Gingernutty

When my washing machine stops, I unload the machine, leave the door open and pull out the soap drawer as well.

I was horrified one day to pull out the drawer to clean it in the sink, to see black mould on the upper part of the drawer where the water came in.

An old toothbrush and a bit of bleach every now and again keeps the mould at bay.

j.e.j.

Yes, I think you've hit the nail on the head, - my grandparents' machine used to smell, and they always shut the door when the machine wasn't in use. I guess it's the residual water in there and it goes stagnant.

honey222

When i moved into my house few years ago the washing machine had really bad damp smell i made a paste mix of lemon juice and baking soda put into powder compartment and put onto boil wash and done the trick.

belfastgirl23

You need to leave it open to dry out a bit immediately after use. After that it's ok to just leave it ajar or to even close it altogether for short amounts of time.

I know cos my machine is in a cupboard and it looks really untidy if left open - I have to leave the cupboard door open as well and it's a bit of a dumping ground so it doesn't look pretty.